Ukraine braces for escalation as Russia stockpiles missiles, warns intelligence chief
Russia’s restrained attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during the winter were a strategic pause to amass missiles for future offensives, head of Ukraine’s military intelligence service, Kyrylo Budanov, has said.
Kyrylo Budanov. Photo: PAP/UKRINFORM/Volodymyr Tarasov
In an interview with Interfax Ukraine, Budanov indicated an imminent increase in strikes targeting critical Ukrainian facilities.
„The fact that they haven’t carried out strikes on energy sector facilities for more than a year has allowed them to accumulate a certain amount of weapons. Unfortunately, the enemy now has the strength to continue their work.”
Budanov refuted claims about Russia’s missile production capabilities but acknowledged a significant inflow of operational-tactical missiles, including the strategically stored Kalibr missiles, now fully operational. He also predicted the reintroduction of Caliber missiles into the battlefield as the stock of Ch-101s dwindles, signifying a rotation in Moscow’s missile utilization strategy.
Addressing the discovery of Zircon missile remains in Kiev, Budanov highlighted its designation as an anti-ship missile, emphasizing Russia’s intent to challenge Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.
Despite skepticism regarding Russia’s capacity to deploy Zircon missiles from the front lines, Budanov confirmed the presence of several launchers in the Russian-occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea, capable of firing Zircons from coastal anti-ship missile complexes.
(jh)
Source: PAP
